Presently, there is no plan to establish a regional centre of CSIR - Central Leather Research Institute (CSIR-CLRI) in Ladakh.
The CSIR-Central Leather Research Institute (CLRI), Chennai, has been actively working in the Ladakh region to develop the local leather industry, improve the value chain, and promote entrepreneurship, particularly among women and artisans. This initiative is part of a broader collaboration under the CSIR-Ladakh initiative, which aims to leverage Science & Technology for the region's development. The brief details of Key Initiatives and Activities in Ladakh undertaken by CSIR-CLRI is as follows:
- Skill Development and Training: CSIR-CLRI has conducted specialized 30-day training programs for artisans in Leh and Kargil, focusing on leather and allied products. These sessions aimed to turn the traditional, unorganized leather usage into a sustainable, structured industry.
- Value Addition to Local Products: The institute is assisting in developing combination products using leather and traditional items, such as Goncha (robes) and Kamarbandh (sashes), with improved designs and techniques to meet market needs.
- Natural Dyeing and Material Usage: CSIR-CLRI is working with local artisans to use textile materials dyed with natural dyes for making combination products.
- Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Training programs have specifically targeted Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and women artisans to create skilled, self-reliant entrepreneurs in the leather sector.
- Collaborative Partners: The work is done in collaboration with the Department of Industries and Commerce, Ladakh, Rural Development Department (RDD), and National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), Ladakh.
CSIR-CLRI's involvement is part of the CSIR-Ladakh initiative, which also includes other CSIR laboratories focusing on high- altitude agriculture, bio-resources, and medicinal plants.
This information was given by Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences, and Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr. Jitendra Singh, in a written reply in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday.
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